The “Star Trek” fanbase is bubbling with anticipation as the eagerness mounts for the premiere of “Star Trek: Picard.” Returning to portray the titular role, the noble Jean-Luc Picard of Starfleet, is Sir Patrick Stewart.
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Lately, Stewart has been appearing at special premiere events and promoting the series in other ways. Stewart has said that this new show shall have quite a different aura than its predecessor, “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
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At the same time, however, some of the most beloved characters are back with the old show’s cast returning to reprise them. Appearing with the now-elderly Picard, other ‘Next Generation’ favorites will include the android Data, played by Brent Spiner, and former first mate William Riker, who shall continue to be portrayed by Jonathan Frakes.
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Meanwhile, another familiar, more mature face from ‘Next Generation’ intends to make his mark on the new “Picard” series, though he won’t actually be appearing in Season one. Wil Wheaton, who had portrayed the recurring role of Wesley Crusher, will be hosting a weekly talk show, “The Ready Room,” that will boldly go…into the background of the “Picard” series.
With so much to look forward to, the Trekkie world recently received even more good news, and it pertains to another ‘Next Generation’ cast member.
Stewart appeared on “The View,” where Whoopi Goldberg acts as one of the primary hosts. (Goldberg had played Guinan, a bartender, and confidant of Picard in the “Next Generation” timeline.) This led to a surprise for audience members when Stewart officially invited Goldberg to the cast of Picard‘s second season.
Stewart said on the program:
“Something that I need to bring up. I’m here with a formal invitation – and it’s for you, Whoopi. Alex Kurtzman, who is the senior executive producer of ‘Star Trek: Picard,’ and all of his colleagues –of which I am one– want to invite you into the second season.”
Goldberg’s answer was delivered quickly and definitively. She said, “Yes.” Season 2 of “Star Trek: Picard” looks all the more intriguing. In the meantime, the first season begins airing on CBS All Access this Thursday.
